James Van Der Beek’s Friend Fires Back at GoFundMe Critics Who ‘Have No Idea’ About Family’s ‘Pain’

James Van Der Beek’s friend, Mehcad Brooks, is defending the late actor’s family as their GoFundMe page surpasses $2.6 million.

Last week, a user on Threads posted a screenshot of a TMZ article revealing the Dawson’s Creek star — who passed away on February 11 at 48 years old after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer — purchased his Austin, Texas, ranch for $4.7 million a month before his death. The user also included a screenshot of the GoFundMe page aimed at raising money for the Varsity Blues actor’s wife, Kimberly, and their six kids.

“This doesn’t sit right with me. Not at all,” the user wrote. “Sure, I get it. But thousands of people around the world face this exact situation every day and deal with the struggle. They don’t get $2.5 million. It’s just weird. He had to have had life insurance… and residual checks.”

Responding to the criticism, the Desperate Housewives alum, 45, blasted the user for their insensitive remarks without knowing the full picture.

“I am one of the Van Der Beek’s closet [sic] friends and the headlines are fake AF you have no idea wtf you’re talking about,” Brooks wrote on Saturday, February 14. “You have no idea the pain they went through. It’s ok to stfu when you can’t know what the f**k you’re talking about.”

“It’s ok not to try to seek attention off of other people’s suffering or the generosity in response to it. Because James touched them for decades,” he continued. “It’s ok for you to stay quiet in the face of blind stupidity, meanness and lack of empathy. But maybe you’re not okay.”

Meanwhile, a representative for the family told People on Saturday that, “James secured a down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage.”

Kimberly’s friends set up the GoFundMe page, and the description explained, “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.”

“They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time,” it further read. “Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.”

Many celebrities have donated to the family, including Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, who gave $50,000, according to the GoFundMe.

As Star previously reported, in November, the Dancing with the Stars alum announced he was auctioning off his memorabilia to help fund his cancer treatment.